And fred tal



(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 1.

T. A. BRIGGS.

I LABEL MACHINE. No. 262,566. Patented Aug. 15, 1882.

il i I L- I I F I I W6 Ilil i IIIIIIHIIIHIIIIIHIIHlli J INVENTCIH| (NoModel.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 2.

T. A. BRIGGS.

LABEL MACHINE.

No. 262,566. Patented Aug. 15, 1882.

Fig.2

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WITNESSES INVENTOR:

N. FETERS. Phato-Lilhognphev. washin wn. D. c.

(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 3.

T. A. BRIGGS.

LABEL MACHINE. No. 262,566. Patented Aug. 15, 1882.

WITNESSES:

N ETERS. Pholoiilhographer, Washin ton. D C.

(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 4.

T. A. BRIGGS. LABEL MACHINE.

NO. 262,566. Patented Aug 15, 1 882,

FIGIEI WITNESSES. INVENTEIR.

N. Pcrzns. Phalo-Lllhngnpher. Washingmm n. c.

(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 5.

T. A. BRIGGS. LABEL MACHINE. No. 262,566. Patented Aug. 15, 1882.

sh a 8 Sheets-Sheet 7. T. A. BRIGGS.

LABEL MACHINE. ,566, Patented Aug. 15, 1882..

(No Model.)

IINVENTDR.

F' I E I51 F I E I 'E N. PETERS Phalo'Lilhogv-lpher. Wauhinglcm n. c.

WI TNEEEES- No Model.) 8-SheetsSheet 8. T. A. BRIGGS LABEL MACHINE.

I Paten ed Aug.

WIT N Cs 5 ES. 1121/ UNITED STATES ATENI rricn.

THOMAS A. BRIGGS, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOR TO HIM SELF,JOHN B. PERKINS, OF TAUNTON, MASSACHUSETTS, AND FRED TAL- COTT, OFROCKVILLE, CONNECTICUT.

LABEL-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 262,566, dated August15, 1882.

Application filed October 6, 1881.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, THOMAS A. BRIGGS, ofProvidence, in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island, haveinvented certain new andnseful Improvements in Label-Machines, .by whichI mean machines for printing and cutting labels and stamped work; and Ido hereby declare that the following is a full and exact descriptionthereof.

I will describe the invention as applied to the printing of small labelsof paper. It will be understood that the invention may be also appliedto the production "of tags and analogous articles of various othermaterials-as i 5 card-board, linen, &c.

The improved machine is of that class in which the material is suppliedfrom a roll mounted in suitable bearings, and is fed forward through themachine step by step, being printed on the way, and ultimately cut intosmall rectangular pieces, first, by being split by revolving shears intoas many separate strips as the work requires, and then dividedtransversely by the momentary closing of suit- 2 5 able cross-shears.

I arrange two printing mechanisms to act at different points on the samestrip of paper. They may be used to print two colors, or both may usethe same coloFaiId have the same 0 matter in type or el'ctrotypetherefor, printing the same label. When both printingmeohanisins areused with the same color the feeding and cutting devices are adjusted tothe increased work, producing double the quantity.

3 5 This mode of operation allows me to work the printing mechanismsdeliberately and take ample time for the inking, distribution, &c., andyet produce a large quantity of work. I em ploy levers, which move theink-rollers over the form, and operate such levers from thetoggle-levers which produce the impression, and have devised and appliedmeans for giving a longer traverse than would be otherwise practicable.I take hold of the strip of paper by 5 two feeding mechanisms at twowidely-separated points; but I operate both by the same adjustablemechanism, so that I can by a simple and single operation adjust bothfeeds with great nicety. I provide unusual facili- (No model.)

ties for changing the position of the rotary 5o cutters and very firmlyholding them to vary the width of the strips to be cut. I introduce abronzing mechanism, to be used when required. I pack the printed labelssquarely and exactly by a mechanism which takes hold im- 5 mediatelyafter the transverse cutting operation. I lock the type or other devicefrom which the labels are to be printed in a chase provided withwedge-formed surfaces. The inverted bed holding thechase is formed with6o corresponding side grooves, and the chase is secured by' being simplythrust into the machine in its proper position. The weight of the formand chase is supported by the wedge" formed grooves.

The following is a description of what I consider the best means ofcarrying out the invention.

The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification.

Figure l is a side elevation of the machine. Fig. 2 is an end elevation.These figures show the entire machine on a small scale. The rem ainingfigures show portions on a larger scale. Fig. 3 shows the first printingmechanism with a transverse section of the main driving-shaft and mainframe. Fig. 4 is a front view of the same printing mechanism. Fig. 5 isa transverse section through the fountain-roll and the adjacent parts ona still larger scale. Fig. 6 is a vertical section through thelongitudinal shearing or slitting mechanism, which is adapted to alsoserve as the second and intermittent feeding device. Figs. 7, 7, S, 9,and 10 are de-' tails of the machinery for imparting motion to thefeeding mechanism and for adjusting the extent thereof. Fig. 7 is asection through a portion 011 a plane transverse to the main frame. Fig.8 is a section at right angles thereto. This view is on a smaller scalethan Fig. 7. Fig. 9 0 is a section through another portion in a planetransverse to the main frame. Fig. 10 shows the provisions for engagingcertain wheels shown in Fig.9. Figs. 11 to 1 i,inclusive, show themechanism for transverse shearing and 5 packing the labels. Fig. 11 isplan View, partly in section. Fig. 12 is an end elevation, partly insection. Fig. 12 is a face view of the cam scale of Figs. 11,12,12, and13 is alike. Fig. 14 is on a larger scale. Figs. 15, 16, and 17represent the bronzing mechanism. Fig. 15 is a vertical section in aplane transverse to the axis of the rollers. Fig. 16 is a centralvertical section in a plane parallel to the axis of the rollers. Thescale of these two figures is alike. Fig. 17 is a plan view on a smallerscale. Figs. 18 and 19 represent a modification adapting the machine forprinting on both sides of the paper or other material. Fig. 18 is a sideelevation, partly in section. It shows the two platens and immediatelyadjacent parts,with that portion of the main frame upon which they aresupported. Fig. 19 is a view of a portion at right angles to the view inFig. 18.

Similarlettersofreference indicate like parts in all the figures wherethey occur.

A is a fixed frame-work, of cast-iron or other suitable material,portions of which will beindicated, when necessary, by additionalletters, as A A 81.0.

The strip of paper at is delivered from a roll, M, mounted in bearingswith liberty to turn. It is led through the first pair of feed-rolls, EE, which press it with sufficient force to give a reliable hold.ltthence passes under a droproller, E, which is guided in vertical waysA It thence passes up over a guide-roller, E and thence over the bed Cof the first printing-machine, where it is printed with one set ofimpressions. lt thence passes, if desired, through the bronzingmechanism, to be described farther on, and these impressions arebronzed. It thence passes over the bed 0 of the second printing-machine,where it is subjected to the second set of impressions It thence passesbetween another pair of roller devices, where it is both gripped to aidin the feeding motion and also slit by revolving shears into two or moreseparate strips. It thence passes over the bed-knife J and extendsbeyond the same to a certain distance, depending on the adjustment ofthe feeding devices. It stands in this position while a knife, Jdescends with a quick movement and cuts off all the strips transversely.The rectangular pieces thus cut off are fully-completed and exactly-cntlabels. These labels are now acted on by a device which descends andpresses them with gentle force upon the piles of similar labels whichhave been previously printed and cut off. These piles rest on ayieldingplatform, which sinks as the material is successively added above, andfrom which the piles ofcompleted and nicely-packed labels are removed atintervals by the attendant. The first printing mechanism can be adjustedbackward and forward relati vel y to the line of travel of the strip ofpaper. This allows for adapting the machine to printing labels ofdifferent diinensions. The mechanism for cutting off the finished labelsmay be correspondingly set backward and forward. The several members ofthe machinery by which these several movementsare effected are clearlyshown in the drawings.

B is the first shaft or driving-shaft, receiving power on a pulley, B,from a belt driven byasteam-engineorothersuitablepower. (Notrepresented.) This shaft carries a fly-wheel, B and may be run quiterapidly. The pinion 13 on this shaft gears into a large gearwheel, B, onthe main shaft B, which latter is supported in a fixed hearing, A, andin hearings in each of the printing mechanisms[ 0 is the framing of thefirst printing-machine. This is adjustable baekward and forward onlongitudinal ways, and is firmly clamped in any required position by thescrew 0, turned by the hand-wheel (J.

G is the framing of the second printingmaehine. This is bolted orotherwise secured firmly on the frame A.

Except that one is fixed and the other movable, the two printingmechanisms and their supporting-frames are alike. Both are operated fromeccentrics D on the main shaft 13, so arranged as to operate themalternately. Both are provided with mechanisms for inking and printing.(,Olearly shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4.)

An important feature of this mechanism is in the provision forconveniently traversing the inking-rollers. There are two arms, G,mounted one on each side of the printing mechanism, and turning inplanes transverse to the motion of the paper. These arms are rigidlyconnected by a bar, G". Each carries a sliding rod, G which is providedat its lower end with a swivel and T- piece, G afi'ording bearings fortwo or more ink-rollers, G These sliding rods, and consequently theinkrollers, are forced upward by spiral springs G.

F F are the two parts of the toggle-lever which operates the bed F toproduce the impression. From the upper part,F ,ot' this toggle an arm,-F extends forward, having an elongated bearing or slot, which receivesthe bar G and, as the toggle is operated to produce the impression,moves the arms G forward and moves the ink-rollers G over thedistributing-table G On the contraction of the toggle the ink-rollersare moved in the opposite dilection. I find that the motion is notsufficient when the axis of motion of the levers G is coincident withthe upper center, G, of the toggle. I obtain an increased motion bymounting the levers G on a separate axis, G considerably lower. Theexact relation of these centers is indicated in Fig. 3.

The chase Y (see Fig. 18) is provided with a wing or extension on theright and left sides, respectively, which, 1, is thicker at the upper orfront side than at the rear, and is accurately planed or otherwisefinished. The under face of the inverted bed F is formed with a wing ateach side having a corresponding wedge-shaped groove. All thatisrequired to secure the chase and its contained form of types firmly inthe proper position in the inverted bed is to slide the chase into thebed in the proper position so that its wings will enter the grooves, andas it is forced in will wedge tight. After its entrance has beenarrested by the gradual tightening of the contact it is struck a fewgentle blows with a mallet to force it in farther and tighter.

A is the housing which carries the second feeding mechanism and theslitting-knives. These two functions are performed by parts mounted on asingle pair of shafts, 1 I geared together by gear wheels H (See Fig.6.) These shafts carry wheels 1 1 which roll in contact, verged togetherby the springs 1 adj usted by a thumbscrew 1 These wheels take hold ofthe paper with sufficient firmness to constitute a reliable feed. Eachwheel 1 1 carries an annular knife, which, being properly adjusted towork with its mate, constitutes rotary shears, smoothly slitting thepaper longitudinally. The lower shaft has these wheels 1 held inposition simply by pinching-screws 1'. This construction may be adoptedfor both rolls 1 1 if preferred; but I have devised a different mode,and one which I esteem preferable, shown on the upper roll alone. Itconsists of a series of threaded thimbles or collars, alternately maleand female, with provisions for engaging together, and for being turnedby a suitable wrench. (Not represented.) The male collars are marked 1-and the female I.

The positions of the annular knives 1 1 may be adjusted by turning thethreaded collars I l relatively to each other. There should be asufficient number of these collars of different lengths to adapt theinvention to slit the paper into any number of strips or hands required.When the shafts are taken cut of their bearings and the end nut removedthese collars are readily removed and their places supplied by others ofgreater or less width. A turning of the collars I and P relatively toeach other may increase or diminish the width of any pair, so as toadjust the positions of the rotary cutters with great nicety. I canrealize some of the advantages of the invention by adjusting the rotarycutters on both shafts by such collars; but I prefer for generalpractice to thus adjust on one shaft and to employ rotary cutters on theother shaft, differently mounted, so as to be self-adjustin". Thenon-feeding wheels I on the lower shaft I are thus operated. They arefeathered on the shaft, so that they are compelled to turn therewith,but are free to move endwise thereon. They are pressed apart withsufficient force by the spiral spring i to insure a reliable contact oftheir edges with the edges of the firmly-set knives l 1 and constitutetherewith eflicient rotary shears.

Bot-h feeds are operated by asingle bar, El,

reciprocating endwise in the frame A, and provided at one place with along transverse slot, H. '(See Fig.8.) In this slot traverses a blockinclosing a sleeve, 11*, fitted on a crankpin, H carried on a shaft, 11,which receives a continuous rotary motion through an upright shaft, H,and beveled-gear whet-ls h h h h -(see Figs. 7 and 8) from the mainshaft B, as.

will be readily understood. The root or support of the crank-pin H is T-shaped, and fits in a corresponding radial groove, H in the crank, andis capable of being moved outward and inward, so as to increase ordiminish the throw of the crank, and consequently to increase ordiminish the extent of the reciprocation of the feed -bar H The screw H,which, when the machine is stopped, may be turned by any suitablewrench, allows the position of this crank-pin H and consequently theextent of the throw of the feed-bar B to be adjusted-with great nicety.The nut h on the threaded end of the crank-pin H is turned to set theparts rigidly when the proper adjustment is attained. Rigid arms Hconnect this feed-bar with another rod, H parallel therewith, near theend, at the right. This short parallel rod H is on a higher level and atone side of the main bar H The latteris fitted with accurately-cut teethk on its upper face, and the shortparallel bar H"is correspondinglyrack-formed on its lower face, as shown at h The relation of these partsis clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

The shaft of the lower roll, E carries two gear-wheels, one of which, E,is engaged with the rack k and the other, E, is engaged with the rack hBoth these gear-wheels are mount ed loosely on the shaft of thefeed-roll. The arrangement causes them to turn in opposite directionswith each movement of the feed-bar,

H Between them is a wheel, E, which is keyed fast to the shaft of thefeed-roll E Both faces of this wheelE are deeply recessed, as indicatedin Figs. 9 and 10. The wheelsE and E have peculiarly-formed bosses, eachof which extends into the adjacent recess in the wheel E and has threewings, e, which extend out nearly or quite to the periphery of therecess. The surfaces of these bosses between the wings are inclined oreccentric in opposite directions.

Short rollers e serve as clicks. They are inserted in each of the threespaces between the wings on the wheels E and E. Each is acted on by adelicate spiral spring, 0 (see Fig. 10,) so arranged that when therack-bar H is movingin one direction one of the wheels E E engages withthe feed-roller by pinching its rollers 2, while the other wheel turnsidly in the opposite direction. The engagement of one or the other ofthe wheels E E with the wheel Eis effected by the pinching of the roller0 in the wedge-like space between the eccentric surfaces of the boss andthe inner concentric surfaces of the recess in the wheel E. On thereverse movement of the feed-bar H the wheel E or E, which was beforeefi'ective,'becomes idle by virtue of the small rollers e being carriedby the movement into a widerpart of its wed ge-shaped space, and theother wheel, E or E, becomes effective and turns the feedrollers E E Themotion of the feed-bar H is at this period in the opposite direction tothe first, so the feed-rolls E E are turned in the same direction asbefore. It follows that the feed-rolls E E are thus turned in the samedirection and with a practically continuous motion, the period of restat the change of motion at the end of each movement of the feed-barbeing very brief. The extent of the feed may be adjusted with greatnicety by simply turning the screw H in one direction or the other, andconsequently increasing or diminishing the throw of the crank-pin H andthen turning the latter to set it tightly. The feed motion at the otherend of the feedbar (the left side in Fig. 1) is operated to the sameextent; but the turning is effected in half the time. The other half ofthe time the paper is entirely at rest, the receipt of paper from thefirst feed being taken up by the descent of the drop-roll E. Thisintermittent second feed may be effected by mechanism similar to that ofthe first feed, simply omitting the wheel E and giving the secondfeedrolls 1 twice the diameter of the first feed-roll, E. It wouldfollow that the movement of the feed-bar to the left would induce a feedmotion equal to the whole of that effected by both movements of thefeed-bar in the first feed. Then the return movement of the feed-bar tothe right would induce no motion of the second f ed, and allow therequired period of rest for the printing, cutting off, and packing. Inpractice I attain the end more simply by omitting the arms H andparallel bar 151 in the second feed mechanism, and producing the properteeth on the upper surface of the feedbar H and engaging therewith theone wheel H, with its proper connection to one side of the wheel H,which is fixed on the shaft of the lower feed-roll. By reason of thelarge diameter of the latter this second feed mechanism gives at asingle movement of the feed-bar in one direction the exact amount offeed required. Both feeds-'bein g actuated by the reciprocations of thesame feed-bar B", it follows that the turning of the screw H to adjustthe motion of this feed-bar H correspondingly adjusts both feeds.

J is a stationary knife, extending squarely across the line of motion ofthe paper m.

J is a movable knife, swinging in a vertical plane on a pivot, j, andadapted to act shearwise with the fixed knife J and sever the paperwhenever it is depressed.

J is a lever turning on a center, J, engaged with the end of the movingknife J An arm, K, constituting practically the second arm of the leverJ, is operated up and down by a rod, K, carrying a roller actuated by acam,'K on the main shaft B. A mo- The stationary knife J and the hingedor movable knife J", as also the packing mechan- -ism now to bedescribed, are mounted on the same casting, A which carries the slittingmechanism, and may be adjusted to the right or left, so as to act at therequired distance from the printing, according as the sizes of thelabels printed shall require.

0 is the depressor, a broad open frame, extending across the path of thepaper in close proximity to the shears J J Its lower face is thicklystudded with short wires, analogous to the teeth of a card, having theirends ground smoothly. This frame 0 is held up by the'springs O, coiledaround the rods 0 and is depressed at the proper moment by a quickmovement, and allowed to return. This occurs at each elevation of themoving knife J At each reciprocation the depressor presses on the upperfaces of the series of labels which have been cut off, and forces themdown upon the quantities similarly packed below. The open character ofthe frame 0, and especially of the surface formed by the ends of thewires, allows a free circulation of air, so that the dcpressor may beraised again as rapidly as may be desired without any tendency to liftthe labels.

The depressor receives its brief downward movement from the ascent ofthe knife J This is effected through a lever, J, turning on a fixedcenter,j, and provided with a beveled catch, J, at its end, which at thedown movement of the knife J yields inward, and is idle, but on theascent of the knife J engages therewith, or, rather, with a small clamp,J fixed thereon, and is raised, thereby depressing the packer O. WVhenthis movement has proceeded to a certain extent the catch J is by thecircular motion of the lever J disengaged from the knife, and the packerinstantly rises by the force of the springs 0, ready for the next seriesof labels. A continuance of the series of operations results inaccumulating a constantlyincreasing thickness of evenly-piled labelsbelow. They rest on a platform, 0 which is supported with gentle forceby a spring, (not represented,) or by the friction of its hearings in asquare chamber in which it is supported. I propose in most cases todepend on friction alone, the exterior of the platform being Wound withleather, rubber, or other sli ghtly-yieldin g material to induce areliable friction. At intervals the evenly-arranged piles of labels aretaken from this-platform by an attendant, and the platform O againraised to its highest position.

I have shown the platform 0 as divided into several, and the space whichreceives the labels as correspondingly divided in several, isolatedspaces; but this is not essential.

1 and 1 are guide-fingers, curved as shown, and provided each with aclamping-screw, 2' by which it can be set in any required position onthe corresponding fixed frame-work. They are arranged to support thepaper in an approximately plane condition as it passes through therotary shears. The rotary shears and guide-fingers used therein will bemade the subject of a separate application for patent.

It will now be seen that the machine draws the paper m with anearly-constant motion from the roll M. The drop-roll E takes up theslack which accumulates during the periods whilethe paper initssubsequent passage, though the machine is at rest. The feed-rolls 1 lworked intermittently, draw the paper forward step by step to an exactlydetermined extent, and then allow it to rest absolutely still for asufficient period to allow the successive printings and the transversecutting and packing. The first printing mechanism prints a portion ofthe impression and the second printing operation effects the remainderof the printing required. The slitting-cutters I l divide the strip ofpaper longitudinally into as many separate strips as the size and numberof labels being printed require, the slits being always made along thespaces between the several labels, the paper being held in the properplane by the fingers 1 The transverse shears J J 5 cut squarely acrossthe entire series, this out also being always made in the blank spacebetween one label and the next. The packer strikes gently on the upperfaces of the several labels and packs them down upon the pilespreviously finished. I have made the cutters the subject of a separatepatent, and do not claim them here.

Z is a casing which supports bronzing mechanism to be applied whendesired. The latter is driven by a small round belt carried by a groovedpulley, Z on the main shaft B. This round belt runs around idle-pulleysZ and a large pulley, Z which latter is pivoted on a stud, Z and isgeared in its interior, as indicated in Fig. 16. The internal gearing ofthe pulley Z engages the several pinions of four rollers, Z Z Z Z whichperform important functions.

Z is a bronzing-roller. It is covered with velvet or analogous materialhaving a thick fine plush. The bronze is placed in a considerable spaceor trough, Z formed by two fixed plates,havingau openin gextending alongthe bottom in gentle contact with the surface of the roller Z. The stripof paper is held in contact with the bronze-roller Z by means of aroller, Z mounted below, subject to the action of springs 2. Bothrollers Z Z turn easily on fine bearings, and the friction of the paperon is sufficient to cause them to turn therewith. At each contact withthe trough Z the plush on the surface of the roll Z becomes loaded withbronze,which is transferred to the upper surface of the paper. The paperpasses from the bronze-roll Z over two yielding beds, Z which are urgedgently upward by springs z, of which there are two or more mounted sideby side on a transverse shaft, Z Immediately over each of these tablesis a roll, Z having a surface of woolen plush or analogous materialadapted to press with just sut'ficient force on the freshly printed andbronzed paper moving below to pick up the surplus bronze and leave thepaper with its impressions clearly bronzed, but with no appreciablewaste.

Z and Z are brush wheels or rollers, covered with a brushing materialcomposed of stiff bristles, fine wires, or the like, and hav-' ing asurface motion quicker than that of the roller Z They brush the bronzefrom these rollers Z and recover it for subsequent use. Ordinarily thefirst roll Z and its brushingroll Z will recover nearly all thebronzepowder and discharge it directly into the pile of bronze lying inthe trough Z but if a portion of the bronze passes the first roll Z thesecond roll (similarly marked Z") willlift it, and its brushing-roll Zwill brush it into the middle trough, Z. Z is a trough lying between thetwo rolls Z Z and serving to catch the bronze-powder which is thusremoved from said rolls.

I employ a revolving table for distributing the ink and ordinary meansfor regulating the quantities applied. Such parts and others not fullydescribed or represented in the drawings will be understood as being ofany of the ordinary and approved constructions.

It will be understood that any of the ordinary or suitable appliancescommon to the printing business may be used asbearers to support theplaten and even the impression. Strips of paper or other thin materialshould 'TCO be extended across over the paper each side of the severalforms to guide the paper and prevent its lifting by adhesion to thetype.

I can use different-colored inks in the two printing mechanisms. Suchwill produce labels in two colors if the two impressions are arranged tobe made on a portion ofeach label.

When labels all one color are required I can work twice as fast,printing the several labels in alternate positions on the paper andoperating the transverse shears J J twice instead of once for eachrevolution of the main shaft.

This latter is effected by simply substituting the cam K (see Fig. 12)for the cam K, (see Fig. 12,) which latter had been previous y employedin making labels of two colors.

I have not deemed it necessary to introduce figures showing the paper inthe half-printed condition induced by the first printing mechanism andin the fully-printed condition indu'cedbythesecondprintingmechanism.Such will not be needed by those familiar with printing work in twocolors, but the printing, when only one color is worked in both presses,is peculiar in the fact that the cross-line labels, each complete initself, are printed in alternate positions, so that the paper which haspassed the first printing mechanism and has not yet reached the secondexhibits complete lines of labels extending across the strip,alternating with corresponding blank spaces sufficient for the similarlines of labels which are to be printed thereifi by the second set ofprinting mechanism.

In printing with one color the feed must be adjusted to movethe paperalong the full width of one line of labels. In printing two colors, onthe contrary, the feed must be adjusted so as to feed only to half thewidth of a line of labels. In the latter case the printing must beadjusted to make both impressions on the same labels, the types or otherdevices being arranged to produce the desired effect, as is well knownin color-printing.

The difiiculty of fully mastering the relations of the impressingmechanism to the feed mechanism and of both to the cutting mechanismjustifies an elaborate rehearsal with diagrams of the working under bothconditions. Both diagrams represent by capital letters the impressionsof the printing mechanism on the left, and by corresponding lower-caseletters the immediately succeeding impression by the printing mechanismon the right. In these diagrams it will be understood that the paperfeeds toward the left, as shown in the figures. When both mechanisms areprinting black each carries the complete form for a label, and thesuccessive impressions are shown in diagram 1. They are applied in thefollowing order: A a B b C 0. Thus conditioned the cutting mechanismworks after each impression. After making the impression O the cuttingmechanism operates and cuts off a label which, although actually cutfarther to the left, may be described as being the labelU. Afterprinting the cutting mechanism again operates and cuts off a label-wewill say the label b. Then, after printing D, the cutting mechanismoperatesandcutsoff D. Then,afterprintingd, the cutting mechanismoperates and cuts off 0, and so on. WVhen the machine is used to printtwo colors, both applied on the same labels, the printing mechanisms maybe placed nearer together. The feeding operation comes in just as oftenas before, but only to half the width of the label at each operation,and the cutting is effected only after each alternate feed. Diagram 2indicates the conditions for this manner of printing. The impressionsfollow in the same order as before, A (t B b C c. If the labels are ofthe same size, the feed is onlyhalf the extent of the feed under theother conditions.

In practice the cutting oftwill be at a more advanced point in theprogress of the strip of paper, but the action will be the same as ifthe cutting were close to the second printing,

, and I will so describe it.

In printing two colors, first we print B, then out off a label, then weprint I) and do not out. Then we print 0 and out; then print 0 and donot out; then D and cut, and so on. There is always a feed motion aftereach impression under both conditions.

When only one color is required, and the quantity of work to be donedoes not render it expedient to prepare two forms, only oneprinting-head need be used, and the single cam K being introduced, themachine will work as before described, except that it will produce thelabels only half as fast as it is capable of doing when both heads areworked.

It will be understood that the distances of the printing mechanismsapart may be in creased and diminished; but care must be taken to makethe distances always hear a certain relation to the dimensions of theforms. When printing in one color the presses are spaced the width ofone label apart. When printing in two colors they are spaced half alabel width apart, or one and a half, two and a half, or three and ahalf.

More than two sets of printing mechanism may be used. In such case morecolors may be applied. There may be two printing simultaneously duringone of the periods of rest, and two more printing simultaneously durin gthe next period.

My experiments indicate a high degree of perfection in the resultinglabels.

The construction shown in Figs. 18 and 19 provides for carrying thestrip of paper up over a series of rollers and back under one of theforms of type, so as to presentthe opposite side of the paper to theimpresssion. This allows for printing on both sides of the material, andis important in printing some kinds of tags and analogous Work.

Further modifications may be made in many of the details. Parts of theinvention may be used without the whole.

The bronzing apparatus is removed or disconnected, so as to be out ofuse when work is done which does not require it. If used in the positionshown, it bronzes that part of the impression which has been done by thefirst printing mechanism, and the impressions produced by the secondprinting mechanism are not bronzed. The bronzing mechanism may beshifted to the other side of the second printing mechanism, so as tobronze the Whole when it is desired to make the labels with bothimpressions bronzed. Size instead of ink will ordinarily be used for thebronzed work.

The slitting-knives are adjusted so as to remove a portion at both edgesof the strip of paper, which ed ge-strips will be wasted. I conduct thewaste-strips up over the upper knife, so that this waste material isdischarged in the form of long uncut strips.

I do not here claim the specific construction of the mechanism forcutting paper longitudinally, nor the means for adjusting such cutting,nor the means for supporting the paper in a plane condition for suchcutting, those features being made the subject of a separate applicationfor patent.

ICO

I claim as an improvement in machines for producing labels and analogouswork- 1. TheleversG,carryingsuitableinking-rolls and springs, as shown,and mounted on a center, G below the upper bearing of the togglelever FF", in combination with the bed or platen F, toggle-lever F, and aconnection, G", adapted to communicate the motion, substantially as andfor the purposes herein specified.

2. One or more printing mechanisms, in combination withcontinuously-acting feed-rollers receiving the paper uniformly, and withintermittently-acting feed-rollers, and with provisions E for taking upthe slack, and with a single adjusting device, H connected to the trainof mechanism impelling both sets of feedrolls so that one adjustmentsufiices for both, as herein specified.

3. The depressor 0, provided with wires or teeth arranged at rightangles to its surface, as described, and mechanism for depressing itafter each operation of the knife J in combination with such knife andwith mechanism, substantially as described, for feeding and printing thelabels, as herein specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, at Providence, RhodeIsland, this 19th day of September, 1881, in the presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

THOMAS A. BRIGGS.

Witnesses:

JOSEPH S. G. COBB, JOB Boo'rH.

